(Aug. 12, 2014) – Boston Breakers goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher has been voted the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Player of the Week by the media for Week 18 of the 2014 NWSL Season.

(Aug. 12, 2014) – Boston Breakers goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher has been voted the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Player of the Week by the media for Week 18 of the 2014 NWSL Season.

The Stratford, Conn. native is the first goalkeeper to win the award this season after she recorded a NWSL record-tying 10 saves in the Breakers’ 2-0 victory Sunday over Portland Thorns FC. It was Naeher’s second shutout of the season.

Naeher, 26, made a crucial save in the 50th minute when Thorns forward Christine Sinclair broke away from two defenders and fired a shot to the keeper’s right, which Naeher dove for and deflected out for a corner kick. (Save #1 – Watch highlights)

Naeher also came up big in the 63rd minute when Thorns FC midfielder Veronica Boquete played teammate Allie Long through into the six-yard box. Naeher came off of her line to deny Long’s shot from point-blank range and maintain the shutout. (Save #2 - Watch highlights)

This marks the third time this season – along with forwards Lianne Sanderson (Week 3) and Jazmine Reeves (Week 8) – and seventh time overall a Boston Breakers player has been voted NWSL Player of the Week. Breakers midfielder Heather O’Reilly and Sanderson each won the award once last season, while forward Sydney Leroux won the award twice as a member of the Breakers in 2013.

The Breakers will return to action Wednesday, August 13 at 8:00 p.m. ET against the Chicago Red Stars at the Benedictine University Sports Complex in Lisle, Ill.

The NWSL Player of the Week is selected each week of the regular season by a selection of journalists that cover the league on a consistent basis.